Many women aspire to get bigger breasts. According to recent statistics, more women than ever are undergoing breast augmentation to enhance their looks nowadays.
Though it is an invasive procedure, the results can create a significant change in a woman’s life. For women who have gone through terrible feats like breast cancer and breast removal, getting implants can surely boost their self-esteem.
Like all other cosmetic or plastic surgery procedures, there are advantages and disadvantages that a patient needs to consider. Knowing what happens after the surgery also prepares the patient for the post-operative expectations and length of recovery.
If you are considering on getting breast implants, you can expect the following.
Patients receiving breast implants will be under general anesthesia. Because of this, you can expect that you will feel groggy. There is a possibility that you will experience post-operative vomiting or nausea.
Some doctors provide anti-nausea IV drip during the surgery to avoid the feeling of an upset stomach. If this is not part of your care plan, you can speak about it with your attending nurse, anesthesiologist or surgeon before the procedure so they can prescribe you with Zofran. It is a powerful anti-nausea medication, often given to cancer patients to reduce nausea caused by chemotherapy.
Recovery from breast implants is different for every patient. You may have an easy time for it, while others may experience more difficulty and even complications. Below is a list of expectations during the recovery:
Tightness or pressure in the chest – This is caused by skin and muscles trying to stretch out over the implants. This sensation will dissipate in 14 days.
Feeling of engorgement – Your breasts will swell and feel warm to touch. A little pain is also associated here.
Sore creases – Your surgeon will lower down the crease of your breast to situate the implant just behind the areola to give it a more centered look. That causes the ridges of the nipples to be sore and tender.
Post-operative blues – This is common for any surgery. This feeling of melancholy is attributed to the narcotics, anesthesia, pain and other factors like lack of sleep or failure to move around with ease.
You can also expect soreness, appetite loss, bruising, muscle spasms, back pain and lack of energy.
Once the breasts are healed entirely, there are other possible issues that a patient must prepare for. Here are as follows.
Possible Implant Rupture
There is a possibility that the breast implant will rupture, and there is no specific time when this will happen. According to the Food and Drug Administration, aging, overfilling or a strong impact can cause them to break and deflate. When it happens, you must check for breast unevenness, burning sensations and irregular lumps in the breasts. An MRI will confirm if leakage has indeed occurred.
Recovery Time
As mentioned earlier, some patients recover quickly, while some do not. Surgical procedures require some time for the wounds to heal properly. It means your time for personal activities, work and family will be considerably affected. Also, a proper recovery plays a crucial role in achieving the best results, so you have to be prepared if your body needs more time to heal.
Post-Operative Checkups
It is necessary that you set up appointments with your surgeon, days and weeks after the surgery. Your doctor will inspect any issues such as irritation, hematoma and possible infection. If these indicative signs are absent during the early stages of recovery but start to manifest later, contact your physician right away. Indications of chest pain, shortness of breath and fever should not be taken lightly.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to enhance the aesthetics of your chest. If doing so boosts your self-esteem, you have all the right to get breast implants. Make sure to select a board-certified surgeon that you feel comfortable with. Since you will keep seeing your doctor during the recovery period, maintaining a good relationship with him or her is an essential part of the healing process.